2. amps-preamps
  3. 1238475344

How to connect sub to Cary SLP 98 preamp?

Cary SLP98 preamp has 2 pairs of outs. I am using one pair L+R to connect left and right Bryston monoblocks, these apms are powering L/R speakers (I have 2 channel system only).
Now, to get a better bass, I hooked my Totem Storm subwoofer to second output on Cary preamp, using Y-splitter at preamp and then running just one RCA sub cable to the sub. The subwoofer has low level RCA L/R In and also RCA L/R Out. I connected a single cable fron preamp to left In. I think there is no difference if it is connected to L or R.
Now about the problem: Cary preamp has left volume, right volume and a Master volume. Master volume controls both channels of course and left/right volumes control L/R channels only (as it is supposed to do).
BUT, with my sub connected as described, left volume knob controls BOTH channels and right volume knob controls BOTH channels as well ?????
I thought this was a right connection for the sub but now am puzzled. Any idea what is wrong with this hookup? What is better way to hook it up (I do not want to use speaker level connections).
Thanks for the help.
rohlim
leatherneck1812
116 posts
 
I don't know why the addition of the Y adapter causes the L-R controls to operate both channels but if you use a stereo pair out from the Cary to the subs L-R inputs (which is why they are there) as opposed to the Y, I think the problem will go away.
gtshelby65
17 posts
 
Why don't you want to use the speaker level connections? It's the best way to do it hands down. It doesn't change the final impedance the amp is handling, it doesn't draw any power away from your main speakers, and it keeps the subwoofer in better synch with your main speakers because it will be seeing the EXACT same signal that your speakers see.

Just run one pair of speaker cables from the amp to the speakers, then another pair of speaker cables from the amp to the subwoofer. Don't daisy-chain the speakers to the sub's speaker level output because THAT will be detrimental to the sound.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
why don't you just run RCA's from the Cary's second output to the corresponding RCA inputs on the Sub? That's what they are there for.
Post removed 
rohlim OP
7 posts
 
Thanks guys for the help.
I tried to use two RCA cables and the problem was gone. So there certainly was something wrong with that Y-splitter connection.
Now I have to decide which connection option to use, either low level with 2 RCAs or speaker level, but I am leaning towards the speaker level.
More to discover